BusinessLive reports that the long process of getting Parliament to pass the Unemployment Insurance Amendment (UIF) Bill came to an end with its adoption by the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

The legislation improves benefits for jobless workers and will put to some use the R120bn surplus sitting in the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Public servants are included under the UIF for the first time. The period for which UIF benefits can be claimed has been increased from eight to 12 months. And maternity benefits are improved and maternity benefits and claims are treated separately from other UIF benefits and claims. Meantime, Parliament’s labour portfolio committee is considering the Labour Laws Amendment Bill to provide paternity and adoption leave benefits.